June 25 marks World Vitiligo Day, a global recognition of a condition that affects approximately 0.5-2% of the population worldwide. Though non-life-threatening, vitiligo carries a profound psychosocial burden, disproportionately affecting patients with skin of color and often leading to stigmatization and diminished quality of life.
In recent years, the dermatology community has witnessed significant advances in both the mechanistic understanding and therapeutic landscape of vitiligo. From the identification of IFN-γ–CXCL10 pathways and resident memory T cells to the emergence of JAK inhibitors and combination phototherapies, clinical research is rapidly evolving. These breakthroughs offer renewed hope for durable repigmentation and disease stabilization.
At the same time, gaps remain. Access to care, therapeutic disparities, and limited patient education continue to challenge outcomes—especially in underserved populations. Culturally competent care and representation in clinical imagery are crucial to delivering equitable, effective treatment.
As we honor patients living with vitiligo and the clinicians and researchers working to improve their care, we invite you to explore JDD’s growing body of work on this topic. From original research to expert reviews and clinical pearls, our vitiligo articles are designed to inform practice and spark further innovation.
Where to start, how about here:
The Effect of Isotretinoin on Vitiligo and Autoimmune Comorbidity
The Pediatric Dermatologist’s View of Pediatric Vitiligo
A Review on the Use of Topical Ruxolitinib for the Treatment of Vitiligo
A Potential Alternative Treatment for Vitiligo: An Observational Study on Tacrolimus 0.3% Lotion
